Signaling device for automobiles



Jan. 3, 1933. F J. JAROS ET AL 7 1,393,369

SIGNALING DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILES Original Filed Dec. 30. 1927 2Sheets-Sheet WZZmesae;

1933- F. .1. JAROS ET AL SIGNALING DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILES Original FiledDec. 50. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet WEE/265565. 5574 iv- Patented Jam-3,1933

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FRANK JAMES JAROS AND EDWARD THOMAS JAROS,OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS SIGNALING DEVICE FOR AllELOMIOIBIIIZES Originalapplication filed December 30, 1927, Serial No. 243,499. Divided andthis application filed June 19, 1929. Serial No. 372,195.

This invention relates to improvements in signaling devices forautomobiles and has for its object the provision of a visual signallocated at the forward end of an automobile for the purpose of warningand indicating to pedestrians and the drivers of other vehicles anintention on the part of the driver to proceed or accelerate the speedof the driven automobile. More particularly, an

object of the invention is to cause illuminaher 30, 1927, forimprovements in signaling devices for automobiles.

The invention consists'in the combinations and arrangements of partshereinafter described and claimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanyingdrawings forming a part of this specification and in which: 7

Fig. '1 is a side elevation of an automobile chassis with a portion ofthe hood and radia-' tor shell in section, illustrating the applicationof the device to an automobile,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the casing containing thesignal light,

illustrating the preferred method of mounting upon an automobileradiator cap;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the signal casing taken substantially onthe line 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a view showing the accelerator switch in section and a methodof connection to the accelerator rod, as well as a wiring diagram;

Fi 7 is a lan view of the accelerator switc detache ;and

Fig. 8 is a cross section thereof taken substantlally on the line 88 ofFig. 7.

The preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings isshown in operative association with an automobile .11, and, although thepresent application is directed to the wait or equivalent signalingdepending stem 14' for convenient mounting by insertion through anopening in a radiator cap 15 in which position it may be rigidly securedby a nut 16. In this manner the signal casing is grounded to the carchassis.

The upper surface of the base 13 is provided with an annular groovewithin which is fitted a translucent or transparent light emittingmember 17, preferably of glass or equivalent material, the lower portionof which carries a wait signal 18 or an equivalent signal, and the upperportion may bear a go signal 19 or equivalent. A preferred method ofrendering these signals conspicuous is to inscribe the lettering of thelower waitsignal inr'ed upon an opaque or black background and toinscribe the go signal in green upon a similar background althoughobviously other expedients may be' adopted to convey the alternativesignals.

In carrying out this purpose, the member 17 is divided into an uppercompartment 20 and a lower compartment 21, within which are mountedelectric lamps 22 and 23, respecin the other compartment. As shown inthe various figures, the signals are visible from each side of thevehicle and from the front of the vehicle, and inasmuch as the signalingdevice is located upon the radiator cap, it is tending threaded stud 28which is adapted to extend through an opening in a cap'29 held in laceby nut 30.

, ne terminal of the storage battery 31 is grounded to the frame orchassis of the auto mobile in the'usual manner and the other terminal isconnected by wire 32 to post 33 of switch 34. Switch 34 is adapted to beoperated by means of the mechanism which causes the automobile toaccelerate in speed and thus a convenient mounting. is beneath the floorboard 35, as shown in Fig. 1, and in this mounting and arrangement,switch lever 36 is pivoted at one end within the switch at 37, and theopposite end may be secured toaccelerator rod 38 by strap 39. The secondpost 40 of switch 34 is connected by wire 41 to lamp 23 located in thelower compartment of the signal casing and for convenient connection anddisconnection, a plug 42 is preferably provided by means of which wire41 may be electrically connected to wire 43 within the casing in theusual manner. Posts 33 and 40 are lnsulated from the switch proper byplugs 44 of non-conducting material and mounted inwardly upon said postsare spring contact members 45 which are spaced both from the top andbottom of the switch 34 and also spaced apart a distance slightly lessthan the length of transverse bar 46 which extends through but isinsulated from the switch lever 36. The preferred operation is to causethe illumination of the wait signal immediately following the initialdepression of the accelerator rod 38 and for alimited duration of thecontinued depression thereof so that the signal will not remainilluminated while the accelerator rod is depressed to the usual extentin the ordinary travelof the vehicle. Thus, as shown in Fig. 6, bar 46will normally be above and out of engagement with contacts 45, and thesignal will not be illuminated. This willbe the condition when thevehicle is standing still, for example, before proceeding across astreet intersection. When the accelerator rod 38 is depressed, thecircuit will be closed through contacts 45 by means of bar 46 during theinitial depression, as stated, causing illumination of the wait signaland thus an indi cation to others that the vehicle is proceeding ahead.However, as the depression continues until the required speed isattained, the circuit will be broken by cross bar 46 passing below thecontacts 45.

While we have described and illustrated the preferred form ofconstruction for carryin our invention into effect, this is capable ovariation and modification without departing from the spirit of theinvention. We, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precisedetails of construction set forth, but' desire to avail ourselves ofsuch variations and modifications as come within the scope of theappended claim.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

In combination with a motor vehicle, a signaling device mounted upon theforward portion of the vehicle and arranged to be visible from the frontand each side of the vehicle, an electric lamp mounted within saiddevice, a switch provided with two contacts, one being connected to saidlamp and the other to the vehicle battery, a switch lever having one endpivotally mounted adjacent said switch and adapted to electricallyconnect said contacts only during the intermediate portion of thedepression of said lever, and an operative connection between theopposite end of said switch lever and the accelerating mechanism of thevehicle whereby said switch lever will be depressed upon operation ofsaid accelerating mechanism.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification.

FRANK JAMES JAROS. EDWARD THOMAS JAROS.

